GRAN CANARIA · CANARY ISLANDS
The tours and day trips worth booking.
The 15 top-rated things to do in Gran Canaria — the boat trips, beach days, volcano hikes and old-town wanders worth building a day around, with real prices and who to book each one with.
Cruise off Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for dolphin and whale watching, then cool off at Taurito with snorkeling and a swim slide.
Most Popular“Very impressed with how many languages the guide could speak fluently and also the efforts and hard work of the crew and knowledge about the ocean and wildlife”
Poema del Mar skip-the-line ticket in Gran Canaria: 35 ecosystems, the curved window, Deep Sea, El Veril, and a 400,000L cylinder tank.
“everything didn't see a sign for feeding crocodile. Which people could go to see.Otherwise just have to be lucky”
A 40-minute Golden Shark submarine tour in Puerto de Mogán, down to 25 metres, passing shipwrecks with a 9-language audio guide.
“Amazing experience. For transportation, even I called them 2 hours before the event, they managed to add me to shuttle bus. From pickup to drop off, very nice.”
30-minute camel ride through Maspalomas sand dunes on a comfy 2-seater saddle with Sahawari guides. Insurance included from $21.
“Fabulous activity. Totally safe and well managed. The camels were well looked after. It was a great place to spend 30 mi used wondering rou d on the back of a camel. Very good value for money .”
Visit Banana World in Gran Canaria for a guided banana-farm tour in an 1804 restored house, with tastings and banana-based products.
“Must see😎 I have seen bananas growing around the world but so far not like here in the Canary Islands. Our tour guide was very good on all levels . Answered all my questions and more . Her parents should be proud to have a smart personable child. The varieties and information of the banana…”
Guided banana farm tour at Hacienda La ReKompensa with views, 13 banana types, and tastings of jams, wines, and more in 40 minutes.
“Found the tour fascinating and learnt some interesting facts.”
2.5-hour dolphin cruise off Gran Canaria on Spirit of the Sea: glass-bottom views, expert ID, and a free return voucher if none.
“We got to see dolphins which was amazing. Recommend taking sea sickness tablets (which can be purchased over the counter from a local pharmacy) - we did and were not sea sick but lots of people were. Staff very kind and helpful to sea sickness passengers, especially children.”
2.5-hour dolphin and whale cruise from Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria. Close sightings, live guide, photo stops, and an on-board bar.
“Excellent process from beginning till end. Easy to book online and great staff on board. Seeing so many dolphins was absolutely amazing!”
Guided 2-hour buggy tour through Gran Canaria’s south, from Ayagaures Valley to Fataga views. Safety-first fun from Maspalomas.
“Great activity! Very enthusiastic team and guides. We had an amazing day. Thanks!”
A full 8-hour guided bus tour across Gran Canaria’s north, with free time in Arucas and Firgas, canyon panoramas, Tejeda views, and aloe.
“Our guide was absolutely brilliant. Really friendly and informative. Good mix of activities. An extended stay in Arucas due to a coach problem was actually a blessing in disguise, so I would suggest actually spending a little longer there deliberately if possible. Overall an excellent day out.”
Ride gentle horses through Gran Canaria’s volcanic hills for 1–2 hours, with optional hotel transfers and big views of Maspalomas dunes.
“We were picked up at the hotel. Short drive into the hills where the ranch was. We each received a horse that fit us. They were very nice and well-trained. The guide was Finnish and informed us a bit about the region. We took the long tour, but I think the shorter one would have…”
Palmitos Park near Maspalomas pairs dolphin and birds-of-prey shows with exotic animals and gardens, plus big mountain views for a full day.
“It was amazing to see these beautiful creatures. The park was great, very well maintained, the people that worked there were very warm. One of my best experiences ever.”
Thrilling, family-friendly water park in Maspalomas with 40+ slides, a kid zone, and optional sea lion encounters. Practical tips included.
“Entry was quick, had to pay 5 euros to hire a sunbed. Short queues, lots of slides to choose from. Food expensive but you get a lot for your money and it was good quality.We had a great day and would definitely go again. Kids loved it!”
Cocodrilo Park Zoo in Agüimes, Gran Canaria. $11 entry to see rescued animals, Europe’s biggest alligator exhibit, and feeding shows.
“Great experience all round getting to see lots of different animals and not that dear.”
Off-road jeep tour of South Gran Canaria: Roque Noblo views, Lake Chira, Tirajana coffee stop, and the Valley of Thousand Palms.
“Great expedition. We enjoyed it a lot. The guide was excellent. He provided a lot of interesting information about the island. The views were breathtaking. We highly recommend it!”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
